The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

A method of operating a personal transporter includes mounting the personal transporter. A torque stick apparatus having a rotating wheel is provided. The wheel of the torque stick apparatus is positioned against a drive surface to drive the personal transporter across a transport surface.

A method of operating a personal transporter includes mounting the personal transporter. A torque stick apparatus having a rotating wheel is provided. The wheel of the torque stick apparatus is positioned against a drive surface to drive the personal transporter across a transport surface.

The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

A movement assistance device comprising a first element for rigidly connecting the device to one foot of a user and transmitting a thrust force to said foot; and a second element linked to the first element by link means and intended to be in contact with the ground; the device further comprises means for transmitting a force from an exogenous energy source, to the first element and/or to the second element, in order to separate them from each other.

A wearable motorized device comprising a shoe bracket, which can be fastened to a shoe; wheels that are installed on the left and right sides of the shoe bracket in parallel to support the wearer's lateral skating and longitudinal walking; a driving motor for rotationally driving the wheels; and a battery pack for powering the driving motor. The wheels are not coaxially installed on the two sides of the shoe bracket to drive the wearer's longitudinal skating, but instead are installed on the two sides of the shoe bracket in parallel to drive the wearer's lateral skating; the wearer can position his/her legs apart during skating, so the skating stability is improved. Its general contour does not significantly exceed the contour of the shoe in the longitudinal direction, thus and it will not strain the wearer when ascending or descending stairs.

The subject invention provides a snowboard that is propelled over the snow by a battery powered motor/wheel array. The preferred embodiments include a pair of motor/wheel arrays disposed on both sides of the board, on which are fitted specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions. The motor and wheel array are attached to the snowboard with a universal mounting plate, which utilizes any snowboard's standard binding mounting holes or channels. The motor/wheel array can be mounted to the board with L shaped brackets, or alternatively with spring loaded hinges. The motor/wheel arrays can be elevated with spacers, which position the wheels slightly lower than the deck of the board to provide traction during propulsion. Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.

The invention relates to a sporting device (1), in particular a touring ski assembly. The sporting device (1) comprises a sliding body (2) on which a bottom side (3) is designed as a sliding surface (4). Furthermore, the sporting device (1) comprises a binding apparatus (6) disposed on the top face (5) of the sliding body (2) for fastening to a sporting shoe (7) of a user (8) in such a way that the fastening can be released as and when necessary, a circulating belt (13) having a first segment (14) for establishing a relative motion between the sliding body (2) and the ground (12) and a second, returning segment (15), as well as a drive apparatus (17) and at least one first deflecting apparatus (18) for the belt (13). The first segment (14) is disposed next to the bottom side (3) of the sliding body (2) and the second, returning segment (15) is disposed next to the top face (5) of the sliding body (2). At least the majority of the length (9) of the sliding body (2) is surrounded by the circulating, intrinsically closed belt (13). By means of this design, a user can be supported with regard to his advancing movement, in particular the overcoming of ascents and mountain routes can thereby be made easier, such that the body force or performance capacity to be applied by the user can be lower.

The invention relates to a sporting device (1), in particular a touring ski assembly. The sporting device (1) comprises a sliding body (2) on which a bottom side (3) is designed as a sliding surface (4). Furthermore, the sporting device (1) comprises a binding apparatus (6) disposed on the top face (5) of the sliding body (2) for fastening to a sporting shoe (7) of a user (8) in such a way that the fastening can be released as and when necessary, a circulating belt (13) having a first segment (14) for establishing a relative motion between the sliding body (2) and the ground (12) and a second, returning segment (15), as well as a drive apparatus (17) and at least one first deflecting apparatus (18) for the belt (13). The first segment (14) is disposed next to the bottom side (3) of the sliding body (2) and the second, returning segment (15) is disposed next to the top face (5) of the sliding body (2). At least the majority of the length (9) of the sliding body (2) is surrounded by the circulating, intrinsically closed belt (13). By means of this design, a user can be supported with regard to his advancing movement, in particular the overcoming of ascents and mountain routes can thereby be made easier, such that the body force or performance capacity to be applied by the user can be lower.

A transportation tool is configured to carry a rider. A sensor detects weight shifts of the rider on the body of the transportation tool. A controller, based on information from the sensor, generates control signals for an unmanned aerial vehicle. A communication device communicates the control signals to the unmanned aerial vehicle. A cable attaches to the aerial vehicle and to the rider or the body of the transportation tool.